Who is Odyssey?
Odyssey CMO is a marketing consulting firm founded by Anthony M. (Tony) Lavely. It is based on his experience of over thirty years as a Chief Marketing Officer in six of the Top 100 chain restaurants. In 2012 metrics, these six companies had an aggregate 15,000 units that generated over $20 billion in sales worldwide. Throughout this Website and in his consulting practice, Lavely recounts his personal experience in the first person, citing specific examples to validate his approach.
What is Odyssey?
Odyssey CMO is an independent marketing consulting firm that focuses on the food industry and chain restaurants. Its principal is Tony Lavely. It draws on the full range of his marketing experience. The primary focus is sales building, based on his conviction that positive same-store-sales are the engine of growth and EBITDA performance.
When was Odyssey founded?
Odyssey CMO was founded in 1996, primarily as a business entity for private equity consultation and franchise development. Today, Odyssey CMO consults to a wide range of clients in, or focused on the chain restaurant industry.
Where is Odyssey based?
Odyssey CMO is based in Atlanta, GA. It provides services worldwide. One fundamental principle of this consulting practice is to focus less on the location of corporate headquarters and more on the dispersion of retail business locations ... the real marketplace.
Why Odyssey?
Ever since my father introduced me to the classics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, 
I have been inspired by the courage and stamina of Odysseus. He is my personal epic hero. Like him, I have always wanted to discover new challenges. No matter what the odds, I believe in the adage: "Find a way." In 47 states and 26 foreign countries, I have applied these principles to my business engagements. Like Odysseus, inventiveness and perseverance are personal characteristics.
Core Principles
Inspired by the character, Odysseus, I bring an attitude of curiosity and discovery to all my endeavors. My experience with different consumer groups across a wide range of food and beverage products has built a strong base of learnings. These engagements over the years have involved all types of business organizations: companies privately-held by a founder, companies owned by private equity, and publicly-held companies. The primacy of real sales growth as the key to success has been the one common denominator. As a marketer and product developer, I look only to accelerated sales growth as the truest measure of consumer satisfaction. While experience is a great teacher, its recurring lesson is always to begin by asking the right questions, especially of consumers. By definition, marketing is a complex and dynamic process, so collaboration with diverse teams and the synchronization of resources is critical to success.
Welcome to Odyssey CMO!
As with many other Websites, there is no expectation that a visitor will read through every page. Rather, think of this Website as a resource through which you can explore solutions for a variety of marketing problems and needs. Browse it like you would a supermarket aisle, with your shopping list, or a brunch buffet, with a healthy appetite. Bon Appétit!
Endorsement
"I have worked with Tony Lavely since 1994. There is no better marketing professional with such a wide range of experience and success in sales building and franchisee engagement."
Harsha V. Agadi
Private Equity Investor
Executive Chairman, Quiznos
Chairman, Krystal Hamburgers